The release of defensive back Tad Kornegay came as a surprise to most Rider supporters and teammates.
Kornegay came to the team in 2007 from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in a relatively unknown trade for Thyron Anderson and Jason French. This was one of Eric Tillman’s first moves as general manger of the Riders. Even though Tad’s stats were nothing too eye popping Tillman saw something in the New Jersey boy that would eventually come through in 2009 when Gary Etcheverry moved him to linebacker.
Tad's stats saw a drastic spike, but that is expected from anyone moving from wide side corner to linebacker, and is tough enough to play in the box with all the big lineman and quick enough to stay with the running backs. Teams attacked the undersized linebacker but Kornegay stood his own landing a CFL All-Star nod.
Many expected this to continue into 2010 but Tad finished 6th on the team with only 48 tackles and with the emergence of Jerrell Freeman found himself moved back to his old position on the corner for 2011.
After missed tackles and poor coverage the Riders decided his high salary, earned by his one All-Star season, was expendable. He was liked by fans and media alike but as we are all reminded one good season doesn't make a career. It's about "what have you done for me lately." And judging by Brenden Taman's actions, Tad didn't do much.
